Our Review of Susan McDonald’s Debut Novel The Lost Children

The Lost Children is Susan McDonald’s debut novel, but it’s just the beginning of her writing journey. As a new author, McDonald is excited to share her story, which is the first in a trilogy exploring the challenging realities faced by people living on and near the French Riviera during World War II. A retired teacher and lifelong enthusiast of European history, she has a special focus on highlighting the often-overlooked silent heroes of wartime—women and children. Though it’s a work of fiction, The Lost Children offers an immersive look at the daily struggles and brave choices many made during that tumultuous time. We invite you to read our review of Susan McDonald’s captivating book.

About the Author

Susan McDonald retired after a lengthy career in teaching to follow her passion for writing novels. She visits France for research, dedicated writing retreats, and sea bathing. The Lost Children is the first book in a series about wartime France, inspired by real stories, places, and events from World War II. She resides in Melbourne’s Bayside area with her husband and Pablo, the energetic Kelpie.

McDonald studied European history and Russian classics at the university, with a focus on numerous wars and military campaigns from Napoleon to Stalin. After retiring from teaching, she fell in love with a village on the Mediterranean coast near Nice, and discovered that stories about World War II had yet to be told. French women saved thousands of Jewish children during the Occupation. It was these stories that inspired The Lost Children, the first book in a trilogy.

Review: The Lost Children

Describing World War II as chaotic in Europe and around the world is an understatement of monumental scale. However, some places seemed to remain slightly removed from the horrors of war. Or were they?

Named after the strong 12th-century queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, Eleanor is the main character in The Lost Children. Orphaned and technically an illegal immigrant with British citizenship, she lived with her grandmother in Roquebrune on the French Riviera. Her brother Jacques was involved in the resistance. German and Italian soldiers occupied some villas, and disturbing news about the Jewish roundup at the Paris hippodrome had spread south. By July 1942, Eleanor, at twenty-two, understood the harsh realities of WWII, but she and her grandmother chose to stay discreet and live as normally as possible.

However, that bubble bursts when the local priest, Father Guiseppe, asks Eleanor for help saving homeless children. These children had either been orphaned or handed over to the Church as a last resort by their parents. Terrified, Eleanor sets out on the dangerous journey to nearby Nice, escorting these young children to the village and the relative safety of a villa-turned-orphanage. The danger is palpable, as is the desperation parents must have felt when handing their children to strangers.

The Lost Children is a novel that centres on female war heroes and the Marcel Network (Le réseau Marcel), which operated in Nice with the approval of Bishop Paul Remond to hide 527 children from the Gestapo.

Susan McDonald’s novel The Lost Children draws inspiration from the bravery of those who lived through those terrible years and made seemingly impossible choices. For good measure, there is a handsome British airman whom Eleanor’s brother coerces her into extracting from a Maquis camp.

The reader becomes immersed in the main characters’ world, reflecting on their choices about whom to trust and whom to avoid. It encourages them to consider the risks they might be willing to take in similar situations. The Lost Children provides an engaging mix of historical background, courage, and a hint of romance.

“It’s been a long-held belief that fiction allows us to explore the gaps in history, to find bits of ourselves in characters and to glimpse echoes of the future by looking at the past. There’s wisdom in stories about strong women achieving different things than men, often in lengthy discussions over a pot of tea at the kitchen table.” ~Susan McDonald

Buy “The Lost Children” Here!

From Nice: Chateau de Cremat and Chateau Ste Roseline Wine Tour

Venture into the scenic vineyards of Nice on a delightful 6.5-hour tour that showcases the art of winemaking and culinary delights. Start at the stunning Château de Cremat, nestled in the hills, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and sample exquisite wines. Next, visit the historic Château Sainte-Roseline, where you can explore its beautiful estate and taste renowned crus.

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).